Abel Tasman

J in kayak
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After a very early rise we drove up to Motueka, where we checked in for our 1 day freedom kayak trip in Abel Tasman National Park.

From there we drove up to Marahau, where we received our briefing before they allowed us to set off by ourselves (we decided to kayak on our own). We left at just after 10.30am and headed south for Split Apple Rock (see first picture). After that we paddled north for the rest of the day. The views of Abel Tasman from the water were amazing and we were lucky with the weather. The day before it had rained for most of the day.

Tal in kayak with Split Apple Rock in the background
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We had one break for a quick sandwich on the beach and then carried on north for our next stop. That being Pinnacle Island, home to a family of seals. We encountered only four, two of them being a BIG mama with her cub. In the water playing around us was an inquisitive male seal (see pictures) who stayed with us for quite some time. It was definitely worth the long and hard paddle in rough open sea.

At the end of the afternoon we headed south to Anchorage and returned the kayak. It had been a wonderful experience to see the National Park from an alternative way.

Seal at Pinnacle Island
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That evening we stayed on an old steel catamaran which served as a floating guesthouse with 12 dorm beds and 4 double rooms, hot showers and all meals included. This was a better alternative than spending the night in a tent or a four star resort.

After a good night's sleep, we left at 8.30 and continued to explore the park, this time on foot. After struggling through water, waste height (it was supposed to be low tide), we reached Torrent Bay and then continued north. The rest of the walk was relatively easy going and very beautiful (we were walking through the park amongst the trees/ferns along the Coastal Track with views of the beaches). We eventually arrived at Onetahuti Beach in around 4.5 hours. Here we were picked up at around 4pm by water taxi and taken back to Marahau.

Here he is again!!
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Abel Tasman is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in New Zealand, and we can certainly vouch for this. Especially the combination of the kayaking and walking.